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Practical travel information on Health in Peru - Lonely Planet Travel Info.
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Peru Practical informationHealth & safetyBefore you goDangers & annoyancesIn transitWhile you're thereBefore you go
Since most vaccines don’t provide immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a doctor four to eight weeks before departure. Don’t forget to take yourvaccination certificate with you (aka the yellow booklet); it’s mandatory for countries that require proof of yellow-fever vaccination on entry.
Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, includinggeneric names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity.
If your health insurance doesn’t cover you for medical expenses abroad, get extra travel insurance. Find out in advance if your travel insurance will make payments directly toproviders or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. (Many doctors in Peru, though, expect payment in cash.)
^ Back to topOnline resources
There is a wealth of travel health advice on the internet. The World Health Organization (www.who.int/ith/) publishes a superb book called International Travel andHealth, which is revised annually and is available online at no cost. Another website of general interest is MD Travel Health (www.mdtravelhealth.com), which providescomplete travel health recommendations and is updated daily.
It’s usually a good idea to consult your government’s travel health website before departure, if one is available:
Australia (www.dfat.gov.au/travel/)Canada (www.travelhealth.gc.ca)UK (www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/)USA (www.cdc.gov/travel/)^ Back to topFurther reading
For further information, see Lonely Planet's Healthy Travel Central & South America, . If you’re traveling with children, Travel with Children , also by Lonely Planet, maybe useful. The ABC of Healthy Travel, by E Walker et al, is another valuable resource.^ Back to topMedical checklist
antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)
antibacterial ointment (eg Bactroban; for cuts and abrasions)
Practical travel information on Health in Peru - Lonely Planet Travel Info.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/peru/practical-information/health
steroid cream or cortisone (for poison ivy and other allergic rashes)
insect repellent containing DEET (for the skin)
insect spray containing permethrin (for clothing, tents and bed nets)
acetazolamide (Diamox; for altitude sickness)
^ Back to topDangers & annoyances
Peru is often said to be one of the most dangerous countries in South America, but most travelers leave without ever feeling they’ve been in a sticky situation. Peru’swidespread poverty means that street crimes (eg pickpocketing, bag-snatching and muggings) are common. Don’t get too paranoid, though, since worrying can ruin your tripbefore it starts.
Remember that it’s often safer to be a tourist than a resident, given Peru’s tumultuous political climate. So, take the advice that locals give you with a grain of salt. However,warnings in heavily touristed areas such as Cuzco and the Sacred Valley may sometimes be accurate. Robberies and fatal attacks on trekkers have occurred even on popularhiking trails, especially around Huaraz and in the Cordilleras Blanca and Huayhuash. In other places, both residents and foreign embassies and consulates overestimate theeveryday dangers, for example in Lima, where the situation has recently improved.
Kidnappings receive a lot of press, but these usually don’t target foreigners. It’s usually a matter of foreigners being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Political and economicturmoil have made public protests a familiar sight in Peru, so it’s wise to stay aware of current events. Generally speaking, these protests have little effect on tourists other thanblocking traffic. While waiting out a labor-related strike, some travelers put their bus seats into full recline and take a nap.
The military and police (even sometimes the tourist police) have a reputation for being corrupt. While a foreigner may experience petty harassment (usually to procure paymentof a bribe), most police officers are courteous to tourists, or otherwise leave them alone. The policía de turismo (tourist police, aka Poltur) are found in major cities and touristareas.^ Back to top
Every year we hear from travelers who have been robbed. However, by taking basic precautions and exercising a reasonable amount of vigilance, you probably won’t be.Often travelers are so involved in their new surroundings and experiences that they forget to stay alert – and that’s when something is stolen.
Armed theft and ‘choke and grab’ attacks do not happen as frequently as sneak theft. Remember that crowded places are usually the haunts of pickpockets – bus terminals,train stations and bustling markets and fiestas are all common spots. Snatch theft can also occur if you place a bag on the ground for just a second, or while you’re asleep on anovernight bus. Hotels aren’t entirely trustworthy either: lock your valuables inside your luggage, or use safety deposit services where they are offered.
Thieves look for easy targets. Tourists carrying a wallet or passport in a hip pocket are asking for trouble. A small roll of bills loosely wadded under a handkerchief in your frontpocket is as safe a way as any of carrying your daily spending money. The rest should be hidden. Always use at least a closable inside pocket (or preferably a hidden bodypouch or money belt) to protect your money and passport.
Thieves often work in pairs or groups. While your attention is being distracted by one, another is robbing you. The distraction can take the form of a bunch of kids fighting infront of you, an elderly person ‘accidentally’ bumping into you or asking you a question, someone dropping something in your path or spilling something on your clothes etc.
Razor-blade artists may slit open your luggage, whether it’s a padlocked pack on your back or luggage on the rack of a bus, when you’re not looking. Some travelers carrytheir day packs on their chests to avoid having them slashed in markets and other crowded public spaces. It is always a good idea to walk purposefully wherever you are going,even if you are lost.
Take out traveler’s insurance before you leave. To make an insurance claim, you will need a police report of the theft. Airlines may reissue a lost ticket for a fee, if you have theoriginal receipt. Stolen passports can be reissued at your embassy, though you may be asked for an alternative form of identification first. After receiving your new passport, goto the nearest Peruvian immigration office to get a new tourist card.^ Back to topIn transit
Practical travel information on Health in Peru - Lonely Planet Travel Info.
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Blood clots may form in the legs during plane flights, chiefly because of prolonged immobility. The longer the flight, the greater the risk. Though most blood clots are reabsorbeduneventfully, some may break off and travel through the blood vessels to the lungs, where they could cause life-threatening complications.
The chief symptom of DVT is swelling or pain of the foot, ankle or calf, usually – but not always – on just one side. When a blood clot travels to the lungs, it may cause chestpain and difficulty breathing. Travelers with any of these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
To prevent the development of DVT on long aeroplane flights, you should walk about the cabin, flex the leg muscles while sitting, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol andtobacco.^ Back to top
The onset of jet lag is common when crossing more than five time zones, resulting in insomnia, fatigue, malaise or nausea. To minimize jet lag, try drinking plenty of(nonalcoholic) fluids and eating light meals. Upon arrival, get exposure to natural sunlight and readjust your schedule (for meals, sleep etc) as soon as possible.^ Back to topWhile you're thereEnvironmental hazards
Some of the hazards you might encounter in Peru include altitude sickness, earthquakes, avalanches, animal and insect bites, sunburn, heat exhaustion and even hypothermia.You can take precautions for most of these, while the rest are, thankfully, rare.^ Back to topAvailability of health care
There are several high-quality medical clinics in Lima open 24 hours for medical emergencies. They also function as hospitals and offer subspecialty consultations. For a guideto clinics in Lima, check out the website for the US embassy (lima.usembassy.gov/acs_peru.html). There are also many English-speaking physicians and dentists in privatepractice in Lima, which are listed on the same website. Good medical care may be more difficult to find in other cities and impossible to locate in rural areas.
Many doctors expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel insurance. If you develop a life-threatening medical problem, you’ll probably want to be evacuatedto a country with state-of-the-art medical care. Since this may cost tens of thousands of dollars, be sure you have insurance to cover this before you depart. You can find a listof medical evacuation and travel insurance companies on the website of the US State Department (travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html).
The pharmacies in Peru are known as farmacias or boticas, and are identified by a green or red cross in the window. They’re generally reliable and offer most of themedications available in other countries. InkaFarma and Superfarma are two well-known pharmacy chains.^ Back to top
An intestinal infection, cholera is acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water. The main symptom is profuse, watery diarrhea, which may be so severe that itcauses life-threatening dehydration. The key treatment is drinking oral rehydration solution. Antibiotics are also given, usually tetracycline or doxycycline, though quinoloneantibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are also effective.
Cholera occurs regularly in Peru, but it’s rare among travelers. Cholera vaccine is no longer required to enter Peru, and is in fact no longer available in some countries, includingthe USA, because the old vaccine was relatively ineffective and caused side effects. There are new vaccines that are safer and more effective, but they’re not available in manycountries and are only recommended for those at particularly high risk.^ Back to topDengue fever
This is a viral infection found throughout South America. Dengue is transmitted by aedes mosquitoes, which usually bite during the daytime and are often found close to humanhabitations. They breed primarily in artificial water containers, such as cans, cisterns, metal drums, plastic containers and discarded tires. As a result, dengue is especiallycommon in densely populated, urban environments, including Lima and Cuzco.
Dengue usually causes flulike symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, joint pains, headaches, nausea and vomiting, often followed by a rash. The body aches may be quiteuncomfortable, but most cases resolve uneventfully in a few days. Severe cases usually occur in children aged under 15 who are experiencing their second dengue infection.
There is no treatment for dengue fever except to take analgesics such as acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol) and drink plenty of fluids. Severe cases may requirehospitalization for intravenous fluids and supportive care.^ Back to topHepatitis A
A viral infection of the liver, hepatitis A is usually acquired by ingestion of contaminated water, food or ice, though it may also be acquired by direct contact with infected
Practical travel information on Health in Peru - Lonely Planet Travel Info.
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persons. Hepatitis A is the second most common travel-related infection (after travelers’ diarrhea). The illness occurs throughout the world, but the incidence is higher indeveloping nations. Symptoms may include fever, malaise, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most cases resolve without complications, though hepatitis Aoccasionally causes severe liver damage. There is no treatment; to aid recovery, avoid alcohol and eat simple, nonfatty foods.
The vaccine for hepatitis A is extremely safe and highly effective. If you get a booster six to 12 months later, it lasts for at least 10 years. You really should get it before you goto Peru or any other developing nation. Because the safety of hepatitis A vaccine has not been established for pregnant women or children aged under two; they should insteadbe given a gamma globulin injection.^ Back to topHepatitis B
Like hepatitis A, hepatitis B is a liver infection that occurs worldwide but is more common in developing nations. Unlike hepatitis A, the disease is usually acquired by sexualcontact or by exposure to infected blood, generally through blood transfusions or contaminated needles. The vaccine is recommended only for long-term travelers (on the roadmore than six months) who expect to live in rural areas or have close physical contact with the local population. Additionally, the vaccine is recommended for anyone whoanticipates sexual contact with the local inhabitants or a possible need for medical, dental or other treatments while abroad, including transfusions or vaccinations.
Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. However, a total of three injections is necessary to establish full immunity. Several countries added hepatitis B vaccine to the listof routine childhood immunizations in the 1980s, so many young adults are already protected.^ Back to topHIV/AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may develop into Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS; SIDA in Spanish). HIV/AIDS has been reported in all SouthAmerican countries. Exposure to blood or blood products and bodily fluids may put an individual at risk. Be sure to use condoms for all sexual encounters. Fear of HIVinfection should never preclude treatment of serious medical conditions as the risk of infection remains very small.^ Back to top
Cases of malaria occur in every South American country except Chile, Uruguay and the Falkland Islands. It’s transmitted by mosquito bites, usually between dusk anddawn. The main symptom is high spiking fevers, which may be accompanied by chills, sweats, headache, body aches, weakness, vomiting or diarrhea. Severe cases may affectthe central nervous system and lead to seizures, confusion, coma and death.
Taking malaria pills is strongly recommended for all areas in Peru except Lima and its vicinity, the coastal areas south of Lima, and the highland areas (including around Cuzco,Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa). The number of cases of malaria has risen sharply in recent years. Most cases in Peru occur in Loreto in the country’snortheast, where malaria transmission has reached epidemic levels.
There is a choice of three malaria pills, all of which work about equally well. Mefloquine (Lariam) is taken once weekly in a dosage of 250mg, starting one to two weeks beforearrival in an area where malaria is endemic, and continuing through the trip and for four weeks after returning. The problem is that some people develop neuropsychiatric sideeffects, which may range from mild to severe. Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) is a newly approved combination pill taken once daily with food starting two days beforearrival, and continuing through the trip and for seven days after departure. Side effects are typically mild. Doxycycline is a third alternative, but may cause an exaggeratedsunburn reaction.
In general, Malarone seems to cause fewer side effects than mefloquine and is becoming more popular. The chief disadvantage is that it has to be taken daily. For longer trips,it’s probably worth trying mefloquine; for shorter trips, Malarone will be the drug of choice for most people. None of the pills is 100% effective.
If you may not have access to medical care while traveling, you should bring along additional pills for emergency self-treatment, which you should take if you can’t reach adoctor and you develop symptoms that suggest malaria, such as high spiking fevers. One option is to take four tablets of Malarone once daily for three days. However,Malarone should not be used for treatment if you’re already taking it for prevention. If taking Malarone, take 650mg of quinine three times daily and 100mg doxycycline twicedaily for one week. If you start self-medication, see a doctor at the earliest possible opportunity. If you develop a fever after returning home, see a physician, as malariasymptoms may not occur for months.
Ensure that you take precautions to minimize your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.^ Back to top
A viral infection of the brain and spinal cord, rabies is almost always fatal unless treated promptly. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is typicallytransmitted through an animal bite, though contamination of any break in the skin with infected saliva may result in rabies. Rabies occurs in all South American countries. In Peru,most cases are related to bites from dogs or vampire bats.
The rabies vaccine is safe, but a full series requires three injections and is quite expensive. Those at high risk for rabies, such as animal handlers and spelunkers (cave explorers),should certainly get the vaccine. In addition, those at lower risk for animal bites should also consider asking for the vaccine if they might be traveling to remote areas and mightnot have access to appropriate medical care if needed. The treatment for a possibly rabid bite consists of rabies vaccine with rabies immune globulin. It’s effective, but must begiven promptly.
All animal bites and scratches must immediately be thoroughly cleansed with large amounts of soap and water, and local health authorities should be contacted to determinewhether or not further treatment is necessary.^ Back to top
Practical travel information on Health in Peru - Lonely Planet Travel Info.
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This potentially fatal disease is found in undeveloped tropical areas. It is difficult to treat, but it is preventable with immunization. Tetanus occurs when a wound becomesinfected by a germ that lives in the feces of animals or people, so clean all cuts, punctures or animal bites. Tetanus is also known as lockjaw, and the first symptom may bediscomfort in swallowing, or stiffening of the jaw and neck; this is followed by painful convulsions of the jaw and whole body.^ Back to topTyphoid fever
This fever is caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated by a species of salmonella known as Salmonella typhi. Fever occurs in virtually all cases. Other symptoms mayinclude headache, malaise, muscle aches, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. Either diarrhea or constipation may occur. Possible complications includeintestinal perforation or bleeding, confusion, delirium or, rarely, coma.
Unless you expect to take all your meals in major hotels and restaurants, getting typhoid vaccine is a good idea. It’s usually given orally, but is also available as an injection.Neither vaccine is approved for use in children under two.
The drug of choice for typhoid fever is usually a quinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin), which many travelers carry for treatment oftravelers’ diarrhea. However, if you self-treat for typhoid fever, you may also need to self-treat for malaria, since the symptoms of the two diseases may be indistinguishable.^ Back to topYellow fever
A life-threatening viral infection, yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes in forested areas. The illness begins with flulike symptoms, which may include fever, chills, headache,muscle aches, backache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms usually subside in a few days, but one person in six enters a second, toxic phase characterizedby recurrent fever, vomiting, listlessness, jaundice, kidney failure and hemorrhage, leading to death in up to half of the cases. There is no treatment except for supportive care.
Yellow-fever vaccine is strongly recommended for all those who visit any jungle areas of Peru at altitudes less than 2300m (7546ft). Most cases occur in the departments in thecentral jungle. Proof of vaccination is required from all travelers arriving in Peru from an area where yellow fever is endemic in Africa or the Americas.
Yellow-fever vaccine is given only in approved yellow-fever vaccination centers, which provide validated vaccination certificates. The vaccine should be given at least 10 daysbefore any potential exposure to yellow fever and remains effective for about 10 years. Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild, though some people may experience severeside effects. While you may not be required to have proof of a yellow-fever vaccination to enter Peru, after visiting a region where yellow fever occurs, you’ll need to have thevaccination to get to most other countries – even your home country. So you’re better off getting your jab before you leave home.^ Back to topOther infectionsBartonellosis (Oroya fever) is carried by sand flies in the arid river valleys on the western slopes of the Andes in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador between altitudes of 800mand 3000m. The chief symptoms are fever and severe bone pains. Complications may include marked anemia, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and sometimes death. Thedrug of choice is chloramphenicol, though doxycycline is also effective.Chagas’ disease is a parasitic infection that is transmitted by triatomine insects (reduviid bugs), which inhabit crevices in the walls and roofs of substandard housing in Southand Central America. In Peru, most cases occur in the southern part of the country. The triatomine insect drops its feces on human skin as it bites, usually at night. A personbecomes infected when he or she unknowingly rubs the feces into the bite wound or any other open sore. Chagas’ disease is extremely rare in travelers. However, if you sleepin a poorly constructed house, especially one made of mud, adobe, or thatch, you should be sure to protect yourself with a bed net and a good insecticide.Leishmaniasis occurs in the mountains and jungles of all South American countries. The infection is transmitted by sand flies, which are about a third of the size of mosquitoes.In Peru, more cases have been seen recently in children aged under 15, due to the increasing use of child labor for brush clearing and preparation of farmlands on mountainslopes of the Andes. Most adult cases occur in men who have migrated into jungle areas for farming, working or hunting. Leishmaniasis may be limited to the skin, causingslowly growing ulcers over exposed parts of the body, or less commonly may disseminate to the bone marrow, liver and spleen. There is no vaccine. To protect yourself fromsand flies, follow the same precautions as for mosquito bites, except that netting must be made of finer mesh (at least 18 holes to the linear inch).Leptospirosis is acquired by exposure to water contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Outbreaks often occur at times of flooding, when sewage overflow maycontaminate water sources. The initial symptoms, which resemble a mild flu, usually subside uneventfully in a few days, with or without treatment, but a minority of cases arecomplicated by jaundice or meningitis. There is no vaccine. You can minimize your risk by staying out of bodies of fresh water that may be contaminated by animal urine. Ifyou’re visiting an area where an outbreak is in progress, as occurred in Peru after flooding in 1998, you can take 200mg of doxycycline once weekly as a preventative measure.If you actually develop leptospirosis, the treatment is 100mg of doxycycline twice daily.Gnathostomiasis is an intestinal parasite acquired by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish, including ceviche. Note, though, that ceviche eaten on the coast will be almostcertainly made from seafood.Plague is usually transmitted to humans by the bite of rodent fleas, typically when rodents die. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches and malaise, associated with thedevelopment of an acutely swollen, exquisitely painful lymph node, known as a bubo, most often in the groin. Cases of the plague are reported from Peru nearly every year,chiefly from the departments of Cajamarca, La Libertad, Piura and Lambayeque in the northern part of the country. Most travelers are at extremely low risk for this disease.However, if you might have contact with rodents or their fleas, especially in the above areas, you should bring along a bottle of doxycycline, to be taken prophylactically duringperiods of exposure. Those less than eight years old or allergic to doxycycline should take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole instead. In addition, you should avoid areas containingrodent burrows or nests, never handle sick or dead animals, and follow the guidelines for protecting yourself from mosquito bites.Taeniasis and the more serious cysticercosis are both caused by pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). Humans become hosts to the nasty parasite by eating infected orundercooked pork. Although pork tapeworm is rare, it does turn up in Peru, so be careful when eating pork.
Practical travel information on Health in Peru - Lonely Planet Travel Info.
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^ Back to topTravelers’ diarrhea
You get diarrhea from taking contaminated food or water. If you develop diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably an oral rehydration solution containing lots of saltand sugar. A few loose stools don’t require treatment but if you start having more than four or five stools a day, you should start taking an antibiotic (usually a quinolone drug)and an antidiarrheal agent (such as loperamide). If diarrhea is bloody, persists for more than 72 hours or is accompanied by fever, shaking chills or severe abdominal pain youshould seek medical attention.^ Back to topAltitude sickness
Those who ascend rapidly to altitudes greater than 2500m (8100ft) may develop altitude sickness. In Peru, this includes Cuzco (3326m), Machu Picchu (about 2500m), andLake Titicaca (3820m). Being physically fit offers no protection. Those who have experienced altitude sickness in the past are prone to future episodes. The risk increaseswith faster ascents, higher altitudes and greater exertion. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, malaise, insomnia and loss of appetite. Severe casesmay be complicated by fluid in the lungs (high-altitude pulmonary edema) or swelling of the brain (high-altitude cerebral edema). If symptoms are more than mild or persist formore than 24 hours (far less at high altitudes), descend immediately by at least 500m and see a doctor.
To help prevent altitude sickness, the best measure is to spend two nights or more at each rise of 1000m. Alternatively, take 125mg or 250mg of acetazolamide (Diamox) twiceor three times daily starting 24 hours before ascent and continuing for 48 hours after arrival at altitude. Possible side effects include increased urinary volume, numbness, tingling,nausea, drowsiness, myopia and temporary impotence. Acetazolamide should not be given to pregnant women or anyone with a history of sulfa allergy. For those who cannottolerate acetazolamide, the next best option is 4mg of dexamethasone taken four times daily. Unlike acetazolamide, dexamethasone must be tapered gradually upon arrival ataltitude, since there is a risk that altitude sickness will occur as the dosage is reduced. Dexamethasone is a steroid, so it should not be given to diabetics or anyone for whomtaking steroids is not advised. A natural alternative is gingko, which some people find quite helpful.
When traveling to high altitudes, it’s also important to avoid overexertion, eat light meals and abstain from alcohol. Altitude sickness should be taken seriously; it can be lifethreatening when severe.^ Back to topAnimal bites
Do not attempt to pet, handle or feed any animal, with the exception of domestic animals known to be free of any infectious disease. Most animal injuries are directly related toa person’s attempt to touch or feed the animal.
Any bite or scratch by a mammal, including bats, should be promptly and thoroughly cleansed with large amounts of soap and water, followed by application of an antisepticsuch as iodine or alcohol. The local health authorities should be contacted immediately for possible postexposure rabies treatment, whether or not you’ve been immunizedagainst rabies. It may also be advisable to start an antibiotic, since wounds caused by animal bites and scratches frequently become infected. One of the newer quinolones, suchas levofloxacin (Levaquin), which many travelers carry in case of diarrhea, would be an appropriate choice.
Snakes and leeches are a hazard in some areas of South America. In the event of a venomous snake bite, place the victim at rest, keep the bitten area immobilized and movethe victim immediately to the nearest medical facility. Avoid tourniquets, which are no longer recommended.^ Back to topEarthquakes & avalanches
Peru is in an earthquake zone, and small tremors are frequent. Every few years, a large earthquake results in loss of life and property damage. Should you be caught in anearthquake, the best advice is to take shelter under a solid object, such as a desk or door frame. Do not stand near windows or heavy objects, and do not run out of thebuilding. If you are outside, attempt to stay clear of falling wires, bricks, telephone poles and other hazards. Avoid crowds in the aftermath.
There’s not much you can do when caught in an avalanche. Be aware that the main danger times are after heavy rains, when high ground may subside.^ Back to top
Salads and fruit should be washed with purified water or peeled when possible. Ice cream is usually safe if it is a reputable brand name, but beware of street vendors and of icecream that has melted and been refrozen. Thoroughly cooked food is safest, but not if it has been left to cool or if it has been reheated. Shellfish such as mussels, oysters andclams should be avoided, as should undercooked meat, particularly in the form of minced or ground beef. Steaming does not make bad shellfish safe for eating. Having said that,it is difficult to resist Peruvian seafood dishes such as ceviche, which is marinated but not cooked. This is rarely a problem, as long as it is served fresh in a reputable restaurant.
If a place looks clean and well run, and if the vendor also looks clean and healthy, then the food is probably safe. In general, places that are packed with travelers or locals willbe fine, while empty restaurants are questionable.^ Back to topHypothermia
Too much cold is just as dangerous as too much heat, as it may cause hypothermia. If you are trekking at high altitudes, particularly in wet or windy conditions, or simply takinga long bus trip over mountains, mostly at night, be prepared.
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It is surprisingly easy to progress from very cold to dangerously cold due to a combination of wind, wet clothing, fatigue and hunger, even if the air temperature is abovefreezing. It is best to dress in layers; silk, wool and some of the new artificial fibers are all good insulating materials. A hat is important, as a lot of heat is lost through the head. Astrong, waterproof outer layer is essential, because keeping dry is vital. Carry basic supplies, including food containing simple sugars to generate heat quickly, and lots of fluid todrink. A space blanket – an extremely thin, lightweight emergency blanket made of a reflective material that keeps heat in – is something all travelers in cold environments shouldcarry.
Symptoms of hypothermia are exhaustion, numb skin (particularly toes and fingers), shivering, slurred speech, irrational or violent behavior, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells,muscle cramps and violent bursts of energy. Irrationality may take the form of sufferers claiming they are warm and trying to take off their clothes.
To treat mild hypothermia, first get the person out of the wind and/or rain, remove their clothing if it’s wet and replace it with dry, warm clothing. Give them hot liquids – noalcohol – and some high-calorie, easily digestible food. Do not rub victims, as rough handling may cause cardiac arrest.^ Back to topMosquito bites
To prevent mosquito bites, wear long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes (rather than sandals). Bring along a good insect repellent, preferably one containing DEET, whichshould be applied to exposed skin and clothing, but not to eyes, mouth, cuts, wounds or irritated skin. Products containing lower concentrations of DEET are as effective, butfor shorter periods of time. In general, adults and children aged over 12 should use preparations containing 25% to 35% DEET, which usually lasts about six hours. Childrenaged between two and 12 should use preparations containing no more than 10% DEET, applied sparingly, which will usually last about three hours. Neurologic toxicity hasbeen reported from DEET, especially in children, but appears to be extremely uncommon and generally related to overuse. Compounds containing DEET should not be used onchildren under the age of two.
Insect repellents containing certain botanical products, including oil of eucalyptus and soybean oil, are effective but last only 1½ to two hours. DEET-containing repellents arepreferable for areas where there is a high risk of malaria or yellow fever. Products based on citronella are not effective.
For additional protection, you can apply permethrin to clothing, shoes, tents, and mosquito nets. Permethrin treatments are safe and remain effective for at least two weeks,even when items are laundered. Permethrin should not be applied directly to skin.
Don’t sleep with the window open unless there is a screen. If sleeping outdoors or in an accommodation where mosquitoes can enter, use a mosquito net, preferably treatedwith permethrin, with edges tucked in under the mattress. The mesh size should be less than 1.5mm. If the sleeping area is not otherwise protected, use a mosquito coil, whichwill fill the room with insecticide through the night. Repellent-impregnated wristbands are not effective.^ Back to topSunburn & heat exhaustion
To protect yourself from excessive sun exposure, you should stay out of the midday sun, wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat, and apply sunblock with SPF 15 orhigher and UVA and UVB protection, before exposure to the sun. Sunblock should be reapplied after swimming or vigorous activity. Be aware that the sun is more intense athigher altitudes, even though you may feel cooler.
Dehydration or salt deficiency can cause heat exhaustion. You should drink plenty of fluids and avoid excessive alcohol or strenuous activity when you first arrive in a hotclimate. Long, continuous periods of exposure to high temperatures can leave you vulnerable to heatstroke, when body temperature rises to dangerous levels.^ Back to top
Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Vigorous boiling of water for one minute is the most effective means of water purification. At altitudes greater than 2000m (6500ft), boilfor three minutes.
Another option is to disinfect water with iodine or water purification pills. You can add 2% tincture of iodine to one quart or liter of water (five drops to clear water, 10 drops tocloudy water) and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cold, longer times may be required. Otherwise you can buy iodine pills, available at most pharmacies in your homecountry. The instructions for use should be carefully followed. The taste of iodinated water may be improved by adding vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Iodinated water should not beconsumed for more than a few weeks. Pregnant women, those with a history of thyroid disease, and those allergic to iodine should not drink iodinated water.
A number of water filters are on the market. Those with smaller pores (reverse osmosis filters) provide the broadest protection, but they are relatively large and are readilyplugged by debris. Those with somewhat larger pores (microstrainer filters) are ineffective against viruses, although they remove other organisms. Manufacturers’ instructionsmust be carefully followed.^ Back to topTraveling with children
It’s safer not to take children aged under three to high altitudes. Also, children under nine months should not be brought to jungle areas at lower altitudes because yellow-fevervaccine is not safe for this age group.
When traveling with young children, be particularly careful about what you allow them to eat and drink, because diarrhea can be especially dangerous to them and because thevaccines for the prevention of hepatitis A and typhoid fever are not approved for use in children aged under two.
The two main malaria medications, Lariam and Malarone, may be given to children, but insect repellents must be applied in lower concentrations.^ Back to top
Practical travel information on Health in Peru - Lonely Planet Travel Info.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/peru/practical-information/health
Women’s health
Although travel to Lima is reasonably safe if you’re pregnant, there are risks in visiting many other parts of the country. First, it may be difficult to find quality obstetric care, ifneeded, outside Lima, especially away from the main tourist areas. Second, it isn’t advisable for pregnant women to spend time at high altitudes where the air is thin, whichprecludes travel to many of the most popular destinations, including Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. (If you are still determined to visit these places regardless, thenascend more slowly than normally recommended.) Lastly, yellow-fever vaccine, strongly recommended for travel to jungle areas at altitudes less than 2300m, should not begiven during pregnancy because the vaccine contains a live virus that may infect the fetus.^ Back to topMore Practical information in PeruMoney & costsVisasMore about PeruPeru overviewPlaces in PeruWhen to go & weatherGetting there & aroundHistoryWork & study
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